Today was the 25th running of the Twin Cities Marathon. This was my 2nd TCM, and I was out to battle the "gremlins" that slowed me down the first time up Summit Avenue. "Gremlins" or simply bad nutrition and poor race plan, call it what you want. But I bonked big time in the final 6 miles of my previous TCM.
This year I wanted to stay smart, and run strong those last, long 6 miles up Summit. I had also hoped to beat my PR (set at TCM that year) of 4:09. Initially, that was secondary, but I knew deep down as I toed the line this morning, coming in as close to 4 hours as I could would really be the main goal.
The horn blew at 8am outside the metrodome, and on a clear, sunny morning we were off. Myself and 10,000 others. It took me awhile to get across the line, nearly 7 minutes, but thankfully what really counts is chip time.
The crowds are pretty thick those first couple miles, so I just allowed my legs to warm up and monitored my breathing. I felt good. I tried to use the downhill stretches as much as I could to help build a bit of a pace cushion. It worked. I logged multiple sub-9 min miles (9 out of the first 13 miles), but by then I could tell that I had probably gone out too fast... At 8 miles my legs thought that a 10 mile run would have been ok, then by 10 miles, a half marathon would've been perfect, and by 13, it was time to play mind games. It's not that I was in any real trouble yet, I just knew from experience how bad it was going to hurt. And I wasn't sure how soon before it was going to hurt 'really bad.' I kept thinking back to Grand Island, and how much those last couple miles hurt, and that was on trail! My feet were already starting to bark from all the pavement. But I kept on moving.
My pace stayed in the mid 9min pace range until I passed mile 20 and the ALARC wall. I knew that Matt would be there and a bunch of others, so I put on my game face and kept on moving. The motivation from that kept me going into mile 21. By mile 22 I was starting to slow me down. I managed to keep running, but I knew it was still 4 more miles. And even though I'd done many mulitples of 4 today, those last 4 miles felt like a long way! I allowed myself to walk more than I had earlier in the race at the aid stations, up to a full minute. Then it was back to running, because as much as I wanted to stop, it hurt just as bad to walk as it did to run, so I'd better buck up and run it in!
Nutitionally I was fine this race. The longer distance triathlons and having 4 marathons behind me has really helped get that in order. I knew exactly what to do, and when to do it, and I never felt funny. That is so important. Especially as I watched the ambulances come screaming up to the race course to load fallen runners.
It was a warm day for a fall marathon, with temps hitting 80 by mid-afternoon. It felt warmer than that after having the previous 3 weeks with below average temps. I don't think anyone was ready for the warmer day!
Today was a good race for me. I managed to bring home a 4+ minute PR with a finishing chip time of 4:05:13. This was a great way to wrap up a season of fun events. I do think it'll take me awhile to recover from this one, so I'd better take it easy for awhile. Until next time, as a fellow runner used to say, "Run fast, take chances."
You might be amazed what you can do.
Kate
Sunday, October 01, 2006
Monday, September 25, 2006
Fall Weather Part 2
So after a number of consecutive rainy days, the sun finally broke through the clouds. And yucky fall weather became inspiring fall weather. What a difference a day makes.
Sunday morning broke cool and clear and sunny. I headed out to join the group run held at Start Line. It was a beautiful morning, one of those days where you can't "run easy." It just isn't possible. I ran with my friend, Patrick, who I hadn't seen all summer. It was fun to catch up and on the summer's events. One week to Twin Cities Marathon, so we're all gearing up for a fun-filled weekend.
Today was another beautiful day. Sunny, clear and cool. The trees are nearly at their peak color, so Matt and I headed out for a leasurely bike ride around Lake Rebecca. It was a nice hour ride on our mountain bikes. It's fun to be able to exercize, but not necessarly have to "train."
The forecast isn't as inspiring for the remainder of the week, but the forecast has improved for sunday - less of a chance of rain and 60's. Not a bad forecast for a marathon. A repeat of this past sunday would be ideal! Keep your fingers crossed.
Until next time!
Kate
Sunday morning broke cool and clear and sunny. I headed out to join the group run held at Start Line. It was a beautiful morning, one of those days where you can't "run easy." It just isn't possible. I ran with my friend, Patrick, who I hadn't seen all summer. It was fun to catch up and on the summer's events. One week to Twin Cities Marathon, so we're all gearing up for a fun-filled weekend.
Today was another beautiful day. Sunny, clear and cool. The trees are nearly at their peak color, so Matt and I headed out for a leasurely bike ride around Lake Rebecca. It was a nice hour ride on our mountain bikes. It's fun to be able to exercize, but not necessarly have to "train."
The forecast isn't as inspiring for the remainder of the week, but the forecast has improved for sunday - less of a chance of rain and 60's. Not a bad forecast for a marathon. A repeat of this past sunday would be ideal! Keep your fingers crossed.
Until next time!
Kate
Saturday, September 23, 2006
Fall Weather
This has been less than an inspiring week for working out. Apparently Minnesota has gone directly from august to november in the weather department. After a cool start to the week, it didn't warm up much. And then it started to rain... and rain... and rain.
I'm not sure which of my (numerous) excuses will work to rationalize missing 3 days of workouts. Call it tapering, slacking, too busy, or just plain unmotivated. It was probably a combination of all of those. But I think I'm back on the wagon.
Friday I dragged myself out of the house between rain showers for an easy evening run around town. Matt's new house is less than a 20 min run from Lake Rebecca - yay - more running and biking options. If I run from Matt's house, I don't have to battle traffic on the county roads, I can stick to sidewalks and walking trails, and even add in a 6+ mile loop around Lake Rebecca. So that should be nice.
I only had to work a half day today, but it was a busy day 'at the office.' After running around all morning to get the work done, I was still in "moving mode" when I got home. It wasn't raining and the pavement had dried, so I took the opportunity to get back on the bike. When I got home I sucked down an energy gel, pumped up my tires, and hit the road. It was nice to be back on the bike again. A little chilly, but not bad.
I had thought I might try to ride 20 miles, but decided to head for home as the thunderheads and rain clouds moved in across the sky. I got home just in time. A nice 12 mile, 45 min ride to add to the training log.
Tomorrow I think I might get up early (as much as I'd like to sleep in) and join a group for a 10 mile run. I haven't done a morning group long run in months, so it'll be nice to get out there and see what everyone has been up to.
Well, until next time.
Kate
I'm not sure which of my (numerous) excuses will work to rationalize missing 3 days of workouts. Call it tapering, slacking, too busy, or just plain unmotivated. It was probably a combination of all of those. But I think I'm back on the wagon.
Friday I dragged myself out of the house between rain showers for an easy evening run around town. Matt's new house is less than a 20 min run from Lake Rebecca - yay - more running and biking options. If I run from Matt's house, I don't have to battle traffic on the county roads, I can stick to sidewalks and walking trails, and even add in a 6+ mile loop around Lake Rebecca. So that should be nice.
I only had to work a half day today, but it was a busy day 'at the office.' After running around all morning to get the work done, I was still in "moving mode" when I got home. It wasn't raining and the pavement had dried, so I took the opportunity to get back on the bike. When I got home I sucked down an energy gel, pumped up my tires, and hit the road. It was nice to be back on the bike again. A little chilly, but not bad.
I had thought I might try to ride 20 miles, but decided to head for home as the thunderheads and rain clouds moved in across the sky. I got home just in time. A nice 12 mile, 45 min ride to add to the training log.
Tomorrow I think I might get up early (as much as I'd like to sleep in) and join a group for a 10 mile run. I haven't done a morning group long run in months, so it'll be nice to get out there and see what everyone has been up to.
Well, until next time.
Kate
Monday, September 18, 2006
Run in Tights
Ugh, I can't believe it. I had to drag out my 'winter' running gear today. With wind and rain and barely 50 degrees, I figured it might be a little chilly for shorts and a singlet. I wasn't thrilled.
Oh well. So I donned my tights, long sleeve running top and a lightweight jacket and headed out the door this evening. I haven't done any serious running since the tri. And even then, the week or so leading up to it I was tapering, so it's been awhile since I pounded the pavement for any length of time. It sure felt good.
Running is one of the few things that helps to restore my 'balance.' Swimming and biking keep me fit, running keeps me balanced. Going for a long run, is really good for my head, and I always come back in a better mood than when I left. Sometimes I don't even realize how much I need a run until I'm out there running. Today was definitely one of those days.
This weekend was full of changes as Matt moved into his house here in Delano, and the days were filled with people and moving boxes. It was a good weekend overall, but I now know that I was a little short on some quality time by myself!
So spending the day alone at the barn, and then a good quality run this evening really helped get my head screwed on straight! Sometimes you just gotta' run!
Well, now it's off to the shower and then some dinner before I bonk!
Until next time.
Kate
Oh well. So I donned my tights, long sleeve running top and a lightweight jacket and headed out the door this evening. I haven't done any serious running since the tri. And even then, the week or so leading up to it I was tapering, so it's been awhile since I pounded the pavement for any length of time. It sure felt good.
Running is one of the few things that helps to restore my 'balance.' Swimming and biking keep me fit, running keeps me balanced. Going for a long run, is really good for my head, and I always come back in a better mood than when I left. Sometimes I don't even realize how much I need a run until I'm out there running. Today was definitely one of those days.
This weekend was full of changes as Matt moved into his house here in Delano, and the days were filled with people and moving boxes. It was a good weekend overall, but I now know that I was a little short on some quality time by myself!
So spending the day alone at the barn, and then a good quality run this evening really helped get my head screwed on straight! Sometimes you just gotta' run!
Well, now it's off to the shower and then some dinner before I bonk!
Until next time.
Kate
Tuesday, September 12, 2006
Rest. Recovery. Taper.
A beautiful day in Minnesota provided some inspiration to get back into the workout routine. Fall is a perfect time to run, and today was about as nice as it can get. I decided I'd head out for a few easy miles to see how my legs are doing after 2 full days of rest post-race. I wasn't motivated to tackle the hills on the main roads from my subdivision, so I simply ran laps around the sub. Bor-ing! But easy. 4 miles at a 10 min pace felt fairly good. And soon enough I was back at my door. Just enough to burn a few calories, keep the legs loose, and work up a sweat. Tomorrow is forecasted to be another nice day, maybe I'll see if my butt is recovered enough to get back on the bike.
The next couple weeks are going to be a balancing act of recovering and maintaining my fitness for Twin Cities Marathon.
That's all for now. Until next time.
-Kate
The next couple weeks are going to be a balancing act of recovering and maintaining my fitness for Twin Cities Marathon.
That's all for now. Until next time.
-Kate
Monday, September 11, 2006
Lake Geneva
This weekend I did my 2nd Half-iron distance triathlon in Lake Geneva, Wi. I had been working towards this race all season, so I was excited to get out there and see how much I had improved from last year.
Friday morning Matt and I headed towards south east Wisconsin. With maps in hand, and only one sorta' wrong turn, we found our way to Fontana and Reid Park, the race start. A block up the street was packet pickup, and we had arrived a few minutes before it opened. The line was already stretched down the block. I got in line, and an hour later received my packet and body marking. This was new, I'd never been marked the day before a race. Usually just race morning. But I figured one less thing to do in the a.m.
We found our hotel and checked in. Not the Ritz, but it would do. We feasted on my homemade spaghetti, and called it a day.
4 a.m. came early, and the alarm woke me from a sound sleep. I chugged my race-morning breakfast shake and headed out the door into the darkness. At 5am this time of year, the sun is not up yet, and setting up transistion in the dark is a new kind of challenge. The wind was blowing and it was chilly - low 50's. You could hear the waves lapping up onto the beach, but because of the darkness, you couldn't see the bouys or how big the waves were.
The race was slotted to start at 6:15am, and all the half-iron distance racers were going off together. Nearly 200 of us. There were 3 other races that day from an olympic to a super-sprint, so there were lots of people around. At 6:15, the race was delayed because we still couldn't see the bouys. At 6:45, after 30 min of shivering in my wetsuit, we were off.
The swim portion was an out and back into the lake, and consequently, into the waves. A mass start of 200 people into choppy water provided a bit of a challenge. My goal was to "swim smart." Keep my heart rate down, and swim with my head - I know myself well enough that if I start getting anxious, my stroke goes down the tubes. So I just tried to fall into a rhythm and keep an eye out for other people's legs and arms. Luckily the waves were fairly consistant, so finding a rhythm wasn't too hard. One stroke at a time, I picked off the bouys and finally I was at the turn around. I checked my watch, 24 min. Slower than I had liked, but I was ready to take it to shore. I figured that the swim in would be easier. Only sort of. It wasn't much easier, but I swam in a minute faster, so the waves did help some. Then it was out of the water, and on to the bike.
Undressing from my wetsuit as I jogged up the beach, I found my bike, and struggled out of the legs of my wetsuit. 2+ minutes later I was on the bike and headed towards the open road.
I knew from driving in and out of the race site, that there was a fairly sizable hill within the first mile. I put it into a low gear, and kept my legs spinning, and the hill actually wasn't too bad (for my Castaway tri friends - half that big hill there). And the good part was it got me on my way to getting warm. The bike is great when it's hot out, you're wet and you create a breeze to keep you cool. Now when it's cold, it's another story... Shortly before the 10 mile mark, I was changing gears too quickly and dropped my chain. I should know better. But I hopped off got it back on, and kept an eye on my greasy fingers the remainder of the ride to make sure I shifted smartly. The bike was tough. It was a windy day on hilly roads through WI farm country. The tall corn provided some protection from the wind, but when it was coming head on, there wasn't much you could do. I'm not sure if my mind was playing tricks on me or if it was mostly into the wind on the second half of the course, but it certainly felt like it. The first half went fast, and I maintained a 17+mph average. The second half, not so well, but I coasted into transistion with a 16.9 average, which for me is quite good. 3:12 after getting out of the water, I was finally off the bike!
Now it's onto the run. I didn't rush T2 (bike to run transistion). 13.1 miles is a long way to go if your shoes and socks aren't right or if you don't have enough nutrition to get you there. I double checked myself, re-tied my hair, threw on my visor, and off I went.
The run was also quite challenging, with the infamous "killer hill," (now you can think Castaway bike hill!) Knowing that this was a double out and back, and I'd have to make it up the hill a second time, I went out conservatively and walked the toughest up hill climbs. I checked my pace every mile, and found that I was holding on to a sub-10min mile pace. Right where I wanted to be. I had really wanted to run a 2 hour half marathon. So I head back towards the finish line, only to have to turn back for a second loop. I say to the crowd, "that was so much fun, I'm going to do it again!" And the crowd laughed. It was actually a fun time. I headed back out for my second loop. Again walking the worst of the up hills. Still watching my sub-10 min pace. And I'm feeling strong. I turn to head home for the last 5k or so, and I'm still feeling great. Well, now I don't have any excuses, I feel good, and I'm heading to the finish, so I keep plugging along and run the up hills now. No need to save myself. I see Matt a curve or so up from the finish line, and say "Look at the time! Look at the time!" I was so excited, and sprinted it in to the finish line. My official time was 6:07:04. I ran exactly a 2 hour half marathon.
Going into this race, I had primarily hoped to beat my previous time of 6:48 from a year ago. On a good day, I hoped for 6:30, and if I was feeling really big for my britches, I thought maybe a 6:15. I had no idea I had 6:07 in my legs! This is going to be very tough to beat next time!
So now it's recovery/taper time. 3 weeks until Twin Cities Marathon. TCM I'm doing simply "because I can." I doubt I'll P.R. with it being so close to the half ironman. But it should still be a very fun day.
I'll keep you posted. Until next time!
Kate
Friday morning Matt and I headed towards south east Wisconsin. With maps in hand, and only one sorta' wrong turn, we found our way to Fontana and Reid Park, the race start. A block up the street was packet pickup, and we had arrived a few minutes before it opened. The line was already stretched down the block. I got in line, and an hour later received my packet and body marking. This was new, I'd never been marked the day before a race. Usually just race morning. But I figured one less thing to do in the a.m.
We found our hotel and checked in. Not the Ritz, but it would do. We feasted on my homemade spaghetti, and called it a day.
4 a.m. came early, and the alarm woke me from a sound sleep. I chugged my race-morning breakfast shake and headed out the door into the darkness. At 5am this time of year, the sun is not up yet, and setting up transistion in the dark is a new kind of challenge. The wind was blowing and it was chilly - low 50's. You could hear the waves lapping up onto the beach, but because of the darkness, you couldn't see the bouys or how big the waves were.
The race was slotted to start at 6:15am, and all the half-iron distance racers were going off together. Nearly 200 of us. There were 3 other races that day from an olympic to a super-sprint, so there were lots of people around. At 6:15, the race was delayed because we still couldn't see the bouys. At 6:45, after 30 min of shivering in my wetsuit, we were off.
The swim portion was an out and back into the lake, and consequently, into the waves. A mass start of 200 people into choppy water provided a bit of a challenge. My goal was to "swim smart." Keep my heart rate down, and swim with my head - I know myself well enough that if I start getting anxious, my stroke goes down the tubes. So I just tried to fall into a rhythm and keep an eye out for other people's legs and arms. Luckily the waves were fairly consistant, so finding a rhythm wasn't too hard. One stroke at a time, I picked off the bouys and finally I was at the turn around. I checked my watch, 24 min. Slower than I had liked, but I was ready to take it to shore. I figured that the swim in would be easier. Only sort of. It wasn't much easier, but I swam in a minute faster, so the waves did help some. Then it was out of the water, and on to the bike.
Undressing from my wetsuit as I jogged up the beach, I found my bike, and struggled out of the legs of my wetsuit. 2+ minutes later I was on the bike and headed towards the open road.
I knew from driving in and out of the race site, that there was a fairly sizable hill within the first mile. I put it into a low gear, and kept my legs spinning, and the hill actually wasn't too bad (for my Castaway tri friends - half that big hill there). And the good part was it got me on my way to getting warm. The bike is great when it's hot out, you're wet and you create a breeze to keep you cool. Now when it's cold, it's another story... Shortly before the 10 mile mark, I was changing gears too quickly and dropped my chain. I should know better. But I hopped off got it back on, and kept an eye on my greasy fingers the remainder of the ride to make sure I shifted smartly. The bike was tough. It was a windy day on hilly roads through WI farm country. The tall corn provided some protection from the wind, but when it was coming head on, there wasn't much you could do. I'm not sure if my mind was playing tricks on me or if it was mostly into the wind on the second half of the course, but it certainly felt like it. The first half went fast, and I maintained a 17+mph average. The second half, not so well, but I coasted into transistion with a 16.9 average, which for me is quite good. 3:12 after getting out of the water, I was finally off the bike!
Now it's onto the run. I didn't rush T2 (bike to run transistion). 13.1 miles is a long way to go if your shoes and socks aren't right or if you don't have enough nutrition to get you there. I double checked myself, re-tied my hair, threw on my visor, and off I went.
The run was also quite challenging, with the infamous "killer hill," (now you can think Castaway bike hill!) Knowing that this was a double out and back, and I'd have to make it up the hill a second time, I went out conservatively and walked the toughest up hill climbs. I checked my pace every mile, and found that I was holding on to a sub-10min mile pace. Right where I wanted to be. I had really wanted to run a 2 hour half marathon. So I head back towards the finish line, only to have to turn back for a second loop. I say to the crowd, "that was so much fun, I'm going to do it again!" And the crowd laughed. It was actually a fun time. I headed back out for my second loop. Again walking the worst of the up hills. Still watching my sub-10 min pace. And I'm feeling strong. I turn to head home for the last 5k or so, and I'm still feeling great. Well, now I don't have any excuses, I feel good, and I'm heading to the finish, so I keep plugging along and run the up hills now. No need to save myself. I see Matt a curve or so up from the finish line, and say "Look at the time! Look at the time!" I was so excited, and sprinted it in to the finish line. My official time was 6:07:04. I ran exactly a 2 hour half marathon.
Going into this race, I had primarily hoped to beat my previous time of 6:48 from a year ago. On a good day, I hoped for 6:30, and if I was feeling really big for my britches, I thought maybe a 6:15. I had no idea I had 6:07 in my legs! This is going to be very tough to beat next time!
So now it's recovery/taper time. 3 weeks until Twin Cities Marathon. TCM I'm doing simply "because I can." I doubt I'll P.R. with it being so close to the half ironman. But it should still be a very fun day.
I'll keep you posted. Until next time!
Kate
Thursday, August 10, 2006
Back to training
Having spent last week as my "recovery" with only 4 workouts to log, I started this week feeling a little out of shape. But I didn't need to worry.
I postponed my "recovery" ride to saturday last week. And enjoyed a very windy, but nice 30 mile ride up CO Rd 6. I'd like to think that I could've even done 40 miles... but I didn't push it.
Monday I introduced Matt to the thrills of trail running. My first "real" run since the marathon. I felt great. And well, I could've run all day. The trail was in good shape and I loved the constant up and down of the ridgeline through the woods. It was a fun workout.
Tuesday I headed back to the lake for a swim. It's been 2 weeks since I've been the water, and now I've really got to get serious. Most of the summer I've been swimming, but not pushing the distance or the pace. Well, it's not long before my half ironman, so I'd better get comfortable at 45 min - hour long lake swims. I did my usual 35 min swim in Little Long Lake, and it was good. Swimming back I tend to lose my focus, so I'll have to work on that. Seems like I'm not moving at all. Tonight I'll go for another swim at the same distance, then next week start adding on.
Wednesday night was a brick workout. 16 miles on the bike immediately followed by a 20 min. run. I felt strong on the bike, averaging 17.0 mph. That felt a bit like a tempo effort. Then the run is as tough as ever. Who'd have thought that running 2 miles would be tough.... but after the first 1.5 miles my legs get looser and running does become a little easier.
I've been riding my bike to work lately. My way of saying, 'screw you gas guys!' Not that it makes a lot of difference. But 5 miles round trip is 5 miles less on my car. If I was really serious I'd ride it in the morning and at lunch, but for now I'm still driving in the morning, then riding my bike back after lunch.
Miles are miles, and it probably helps. Well, I'd better get going. Time to get ready for the lake. Afterwards it's off to the Ox Yoke to check in with our fellow tri-buddies. It'll be fun to hear what everyone has been up to lately over a burger and a beer.
Catch ya' later!
-Kate
I postponed my "recovery" ride to saturday last week. And enjoyed a very windy, but nice 30 mile ride up CO Rd 6. I'd like to think that I could've even done 40 miles... but I didn't push it.
Monday I introduced Matt to the thrills of trail running. My first "real" run since the marathon. I felt great. And well, I could've run all day. The trail was in good shape and I loved the constant up and down of the ridgeline through the woods. It was a fun workout.
Tuesday I headed back to the lake for a swim. It's been 2 weeks since I've been the water, and now I've really got to get serious. Most of the summer I've been swimming, but not pushing the distance or the pace. Well, it's not long before my half ironman, so I'd better get comfortable at 45 min - hour long lake swims. I did my usual 35 min swim in Little Long Lake, and it was good. Swimming back I tend to lose my focus, so I'll have to work on that. Seems like I'm not moving at all. Tonight I'll go for another swim at the same distance, then next week start adding on.
Wednesday night was a brick workout. 16 miles on the bike immediately followed by a 20 min. run. I felt strong on the bike, averaging 17.0 mph. That felt a bit like a tempo effort. Then the run is as tough as ever. Who'd have thought that running 2 miles would be tough.... but after the first 1.5 miles my legs get looser and running does become a little easier.
I've been riding my bike to work lately. My way of saying, 'screw you gas guys!' Not that it makes a lot of difference. But 5 miles round trip is 5 miles less on my car. If I was really serious I'd ride it in the morning and at lunch, but for now I'm still driving in the morning, then riding my bike back after lunch.
Miles are miles, and it probably helps. Well, I'd better get going. Time to get ready for the lake. Afterwards it's off to the Ox Yoke to check in with our fellow tri-buddies. It'll be fun to hear what everyone has been up to lately over a burger and a beer.
Catch ya' later!
-Kate
Friday, August 04, 2006
Back online
Well, I'm back.
Guess I don't have any excuses now that I have DSL and a newer computer!
I can't believe the last time I blogged, it was April. Heck I even had to think for minute what my user name and password was. Yikes. I promise, I'll be back more regularily now.
This last weekend (saturday) I ran a marathon on Grand Island in Lake Superior. Just off the shore of Munising, MI. Let me tell you - from the Twin Cities, that is a LONG drive!! 9 hours, half of which was 2 lane road. Boring!
It could have been a great race, and I think I might have even been able to P.R it - or at least come close. Except for the fact that it poured rain the ENTIRE time! Take the rain, add 300 runners on a dirt trail, and wa-la you have a slippery muddy mess. Then send them out onto the beach in the deep sand for a few hundred yards, and well... it proves to be a bit more challenging than you'd like. Even staying upright was a challenge. The good news is, I only fell once, skinned me knees long about mile 14, but was able to rinse one layer of mud out of them with my water bottle. Tweeked my ankle, but not severly - just made it a little sore to run up hill with much power. And didn't come home with a single blister! Not sure how that happened, given my feet were wet for 4 hours and I had enough sand in my shoes to build a sandcastle. Good socks! But I finished, in 4:40. When the footing was good and nothing was hurting too badly, I could maintain a 9:30 pace easy. But with it being so slippery, I had to slow to a walk in many places.
It was good experience, I guess.... Having not run a marathon in over a year, I had forgotten how much the last couple miles can hurt! But overall I felt strong, and my nutrition was the best it's ever been (I'm starting to really like Hammer Products). I never once felt delirious!
My next challenge is the Lake Geneva Half Ironman on the 9th of sept. Then 3 weeks later is Twin Cities Marathon. No marathons for over a year, and here I go throwing 2 marathons and a half ironman into a 3 month period of time. Heck, no one ever said I was totally logical!!
Well, I'd better get going. Time to head out on the bike for a 30 mile "recovery" ride!
Catch ya'll later!
-Kate
Guess I don't have any excuses now that I have DSL and a newer computer!
I can't believe the last time I blogged, it was April. Heck I even had to think for minute what my user name and password was. Yikes. I promise, I'll be back more regularily now.
This last weekend (saturday) I ran a marathon on Grand Island in Lake Superior. Just off the shore of Munising, MI. Let me tell you - from the Twin Cities, that is a LONG drive!! 9 hours, half of which was 2 lane road. Boring!
It could have been a great race, and I think I might have even been able to P.R it - or at least come close. Except for the fact that it poured rain the ENTIRE time! Take the rain, add 300 runners on a dirt trail, and wa-la you have a slippery muddy mess. Then send them out onto the beach in the deep sand for a few hundred yards, and well... it proves to be a bit more challenging than you'd like. Even staying upright was a challenge. The good news is, I only fell once, skinned me knees long about mile 14, but was able to rinse one layer of mud out of them with my water bottle. Tweeked my ankle, but not severly - just made it a little sore to run up hill with much power. And didn't come home with a single blister! Not sure how that happened, given my feet were wet for 4 hours and I had enough sand in my shoes to build a sandcastle. Good socks! But I finished, in 4:40. When the footing was good and nothing was hurting too badly, I could maintain a 9:30 pace easy. But with it being so slippery, I had to slow to a walk in many places.
It was good experience, I guess.... Having not run a marathon in over a year, I had forgotten how much the last couple miles can hurt! But overall I felt strong, and my nutrition was the best it's ever been (I'm starting to really like Hammer Products). I never once felt delirious!
My next challenge is the Lake Geneva Half Ironman on the 9th of sept. Then 3 weeks later is Twin Cities Marathon. No marathons for over a year, and here I go throwing 2 marathons and a half ironman into a 3 month period of time. Heck, no one ever said I was totally logical!!
Well, I'd better get going. Time to head out on the bike for a 30 mile "recovery" ride!
Catch ya'll later!
-Kate
Saturday, April 29, 2006
Spring in the North Country
Time flyes when you're having fun! Sorry it's taken me so incredibly long to log on to my blog again. The move back north was uneventful. Just incredibly busy at work. Things have settled into a routine, and I'm so happy to be back in Minnesota.
I really do enjoy it here.
My training was a little hit and miss when I first got back, and then I had to get reacquainted with the hills again. My hamstrings were definitely singing the first week or so!
But now I've getting into a nice groove, getting out on the road bike a couple times a week. Getting to the pool some - not as much as I'd like, but the lap swim time is limited, so I do what I can. I bought a mountain bike and have been biking to work a few times a week. It's nice to add 5-10 miles of biking a day to the log book. My running has been the one thing that's probably lacking. With the additional biking to work, and not having a good route to take from home, running has gotten pushed to the back burner. I need to make it a priority again since I now have 2 marathons on the calender. My trail marathon the end of July and then I registered for the Twin Cities Marathon the other day. I'm very excited about both races.
Today I need to go out for a long run - except for the fact it's pouring rain with no end in site - maybe tuesday... so I think I need to buck up and take on mother nature today. Yuck. I missed my long run last week, so I really do need to get out there.
The week before I did an enjoyable 9+ miles on trail and felt like I could've kept going. Always fun.
Well, I'll do better to keep blogging again. Until next time!
-Kate
I really do enjoy it here.
My training was a little hit and miss when I first got back, and then I had to get reacquainted with the hills again. My hamstrings were definitely singing the first week or so!
But now I've getting into a nice groove, getting out on the road bike a couple times a week. Getting to the pool some - not as much as I'd like, but the lap swim time is limited, so I do what I can. I bought a mountain bike and have been biking to work a few times a week. It's nice to add 5-10 miles of biking a day to the log book. My running has been the one thing that's probably lacking. With the additional biking to work, and not having a good route to take from home, running has gotten pushed to the back burner. I need to make it a priority again since I now have 2 marathons on the calender. My trail marathon the end of July and then I registered for the Twin Cities Marathon the other day. I'm very excited about both races.
Today I need to go out for a long run - except for the fact it's pouring rain with no end in site - maybe tuesday... so I think I need to buck up and take on mother nature today. Yuck. I missed my long run last week, so I really do need to get out there.
The week before I did an enjoyable 9+ miles on trail and felt like I could've kept going. Always fun.
Well, I'll do better to keep blogging again. Until next time!
-Kate
Saturday, March 11, 2006
Another week in the sun
Guess I've been deliquent in blogging lately. Heck, I even been delinquent in responding to emails. So here I am, playing catch up.
Tonight I had a great run. After I lost the lead in my legs after a couple miles, I just kept running. 3 miles became 4 and I figured I'd just keep going. 7.5 miles later, I arrived back home. It was great. I ran without any preconceived expectations, and really enjoyed it.
Last night I went out on the bike, and had a great ride. It was a little windy, but not as bad as some nights. I've only got a couple more rides on my bike in the sun before I start complaining about the cold up north! A week from now, I'll be back in my warm fuzzies thinking it's downright cold, when all the natives are thinking it's warm!
My swimming has been coming along well. Next week is my last week with the Master's group. Coach says he has something special planned. I'm a little nervous! But I'm sure it'll be great. I'm learning how to do flip turns, and the other night we got to go off the starting blocks. That was a little scary. Flip turns are tough, and they force you to hold your breath a little longer than is comfortable. Most times I come up gasping for air with water up my nose. But I'm starting to get them.
Well, that's all for tonight. Until next time!
Tonight I had a great run. After I lost the lead in my legs after a couple miles, I just kept running. 3 miles became 4 and I figured I'd just keep going. 7.5 miles later, I arrived back home. It was great. I ran without any preconceived expectations, and really enjoyed it.
Last night I went out on the bike, and had a great ride. It was a little windy, but not as bad as some nights. I've only got a couple more rides on my bike in the sun before I start complaining about the cold up north! A week from now, I'll be back in my warm fuzzies thinking it's downright cold, when all the natives are thinking it's warm!
My swimming has been coming along well. Next week is my last week with the Master's group. Coach says he has something special planned. I'm a little nervous! But I'm sure it'll be great. I'm learning how to do flip turns, and the other night we got to go off the starting blocks. That was a little scary. Flip turns are tough, and they force you to hold your breath a little longer than is comfortable. Most times I come up gasping for air with water up my nose. But I'm starting to get them.
Well, that's all for tonight. Until next time!
Sunday, February 19, 2006
Consistancy
Another week closer to heading back to Minnesota. But based on the forecast up there, I think I'm glad I'm here in sunny florida. The early part of the week was downright frigid - frost advisory monday night. But it's finally warmed up into the 80s :)
So the training lately hasn't been much to write home about, but it's been consistant. I was looking at my training log for 2006 so far, and the one word I'd use to describe it would be "consistant." I've gotten at least one hour + workout in per week, and 4-5 35-50 min workouts per week. I haven't been cycling as much as I'd like 1-2 times a week as opposed to the 3-4 I was hoping to get in. But the highlight has been the swimming improvements.
I didn't make it to my Master's class this week. Work had to take priority, but I managed 2 swims on my own. Thursday a 1 mile swim and then tonight an easy 1400 meters. Tonight I finally got back on the bike for a nice ride 15 miles avg 16.3 mph. The back half of the bike ride was entirely into the wind - going out I was avg 17.3 mph! Oh well. It was good practice riding into the wind.
Monday I got a long run in 9 miles with a 9:09 pace including walk breaks. I felt great. The morning was cool and crisp, and I felt fresh. I could've run forever. It reminded me how much I really enjoy running.
The next few weeks I hope to increase the training a bit. A few more miles running and cycling. It's hard to believe I'll be back to MN in less than a month! I can't wait to get back and workout with my friends again. It definitely helps to have others to train with.
Until next time!
So the training lately hasn't been much to write home about, but it's been consistant. I was looking at my training log for 2006 so far, and the one word I'd use to describe it would be "consistant." I've gotten at least one hour + workout in per week, and 4-5 35-50 min workouts per week. I haven't been cycling as much as I'd like 1-2 times a week as opposed to the 3-4 I was hoping to get in. But the highlight has been the swimming improvements.
I didn't make it to my Master's class this week. Work had to take priority, but I managed 2 swims on my own. Thursday a 1 mile swim and then tonight an easy 1400 meters. Tonight I finally got back on the bike for a nice ride 15 miles avg 16.3 mph. The back half of the bike ride was entirely into the wind - going out I was avg 17.3 mph! Oh well. It was good practice riding into the wind.
Monday I got a long run in 9 miles with a 9:09 pace including walk breaks. I felt great. The morning was cool and crisp, and I felt fresh. I could've run forever. It reminded me how much I really enjoy running.
The next few weeks I hope to increase the training a bit. A few more miles running and cycling. It's hard to believe I'll be back to MN in less than a month! I can't wait to get back and workout with my friends again. It definitely helps to have others to train with.
Until next time!
Friday, February 10, 2006
Another week of training
I'm not sure where this past week went. Work this week has been back to the grindstone. Plenty of long hours. Monday which was supposed to be an easy day at work - ended up being longer than planned, and I simply ran out of time to workout. That was 3 days of non-training. Yikes. I don't like to make a habit of that. But I took the weekend off from training since Matt was here.
Tuesday I only had a short opening for a workout - so I got in a quick 20 min run and some GF-type exercizes. Better than nothing I guess!
Wednesday I finally made it back to the master's swim. I can tell that it's been a week, I didn't feel as confident in the water as I had on thursday. But I survived the workout, and tried to push my comfort zone a little bit. Maybe some day I'll get those 3-2-1-0 workouts!
Thursday I knew I had a long day on the schedule at work. So my only options for workouts were going to be first thing in the morning or 8 at night - I opted for the early morning. So 5am I headed out for a 5 miler before showing up to work by 7am. I was glad I did it when I left for home at 8pm in search of dinner.
Tonight I got back out on the bike. I finished work at 4pm - yay! Not quite an hour before running out of daylight - a mandatory nap took a little longer than planned! 48 min. on the bike, just over 12 miles. This weekend shouldn't be so bad at work, so hopefully I can get in some quality workouts then.
Until next time.
-Kate
Tuesday I only had a short opening for a workout - so I got in a quick 20 min run and some GF-type exercizes. Better than nothing I guess!
Wednesday I finally made it back to the master's swim. I can tell that it's been a week, I didn't feel as confident in the water as I had on thursday. But I survived the workout, and tried to push my comfort zone a little bit. Maybe some day I'll get those 3-2-1-0 workouts!
Thursday I knew I had a long day on the schedule at work. So my only options for workouts were going to be first thing in the morning or 8 at night - I opted for the early morning. So 5am I headed out for a 5 miler before showing up to work by 7am. I was glad I did it when I left for home at 8pm in search of dinner.
Tonight I got back out on the bike. I finished work at 4pm - yay! Not quite an hour before running out of daylight - a mandatory nap took a little longer than planned! 48 min. on the bike, just over 12 miles. This weekend shouldn't be so bad at work, so hopefully I can get in some quality workouts then.
Until next time.
-Kate
Thursday, February 02, 2006
Positive Reinforcement
So I'm very excited after tonight's swim workout. I haven't been to my Master's group since early last week. Nor have I really worked out in the past few days. I've been recovering from being sick earlier this week. I went to swim tonight, and afterwards Coach pulled me out of the water. I wasn't sure what he was going to say - in fact I was a little scared... But he put my worries to rest, and said that he was so impressed by my improvement since I had started. He actually wanted to know my "secret." I wish I could've said that I had been practicing every day, but I'd really only been swimming with the group. It was great to have such positive feedback.
Otherwise this week has been spent recovering from something that put my body into a tail spin - I was so sick sunday night and monday. It's taken me all week to get my feet back under me. Yesterday I just went for a super-easy bike ride - 1 lap around the Polo club, for a total of 25 min, very easy.
I may not get much training in this weekend, but it will be worth it.
Until Next time.
-Kate
Otherwise this week has been spent recovering from something that put my body into a tail spin - I was so sick sunday night and monday. It's taken me all week to get my feet back under me. Yesterday I just went for a super-easy bike ride - 1 lap around the Polo club, for a total of 25 min, very easy.
I may not get much training in this weekend, but it will be worth it.
Until Next time.
-Kate
Saturday, January 28, 2006
Windy Days
This week has been a challenge training-wise. The first week of competitions at the horse show has required some long days. The good news is, we are done showing now for another week. Today I had enough time to get in a nap and a workout. Yesterday, too.
Thursday I left home at 5am and didn't return until 9pm. That was a crazy long day.
Friday I managed a 6+ mile hour run. It was nice to run again, since it had been a full week, and even that run was bad... But last night I felt good. I ran well, and didn't feel too tired. I actually felt like myself again.
Today was an easy day, and I got out on the bike tonight, for an almost hour ride. Both yesterday's workout and today's were very windy. I feel like I'm getting more confident riding in the wind.
Until next time!
Thursday I left home at 5am and didn't return until 9pm. That was a crazy long day.
Friday I managed a 6+ mile hour run. It was nice to run again, since it had been a full week, and even that run was bad... But last night I felt good. I ran well, and didn't feel too tired. I actually felt like myself again.
Today was an easy day, and I got out on the bike tonight, for an almost hour ride. Both yesterday's workout and today's were very windy. I feel like I'm getting more confident riding in the wind.
Until next time!
Wednesday, January 25, 2006
More Masters
Isn't there a saying, "No rest for the weary." That is becomming my slogan. If I can make it to bed by 9pm, I'm usually ok, but anything after that leaves me exhausted by mid-day. Especially when the alarm goes off at 5am or before!
But even with long days, I'm still managing some workouts. I'm consistant with my 6 day a week training, so far. And twice a week Master's group.
I did a short run last saturday, and it literally sucked the last tiny bit of energy out of my system. I ended up walking the last half mile home.
Monday and today I hit the Master's swim group again. Monday I had a challenging gear day - first I was late, then I ripped a hole in my swim cap, my goggles are getting old, so they decided to leak, then we were using paddles, and they kept coming off my hands. It seemed like it was one thing after another. But through all of that, the coach complemented me on becoming more comfortable and profecient in the water.
I'm feeling better with my swimming, and I can feel the improvements. Every time I go, I learn something new. It's a challenging workout, he keeps pushing us to a higher level. For example, we do a 3-2-1-0 interval - 3 breaths per 25, then 2 breaths per 25, then 1, and then 0. I'm ok for the first 25 with 3 breaths, and then with enough rest, 2 breaths. But after that I'm done! I'm still working on breathing every 3 strokes more consistantly, and the 3-2-1-0 workout helps improve my breath control.
Well, it's already late, and I'm missing out on some sleep. Enough sleep even helps my attitude - go figure! I don't get cranky nearly as fast when I'm not exhausted!
Until Next time!
But even with long days, I'm still managing some workouts. I'm consistant with my 6 day a week training, so far. And twice a week Master's group.
I did a short run last saturday, and it literally sucked the last tiny bit of energy out of my system. I ended up walking the last half mile home.
Monday and today I hit the Master's swim group again. Monday I had a challenging gear day - first I was late, then I ripped a hole in my swim cap, my goggles are getting old, so they decided to leak, then we were using paddles, and they kept coming off my hands. It seemed like it was one thing after another. But through all of that, the coach complemented me on becoming more comfortable and profecient in the water.
I'm feeling better with my swimming, and I can feel the improvements. Every time I go, I learn something new. It's a challenging workout, he keeps pushing us to a higher level. For example, we do a 3-2-1-0 interval - 3 breaths per 25, then 2 breaths per 25, then 1, and then 0. I'm ok for the first 25 with 3 breaths, and then with enough rest, 2 breaths. But after that I'm done! I'm still working on breathing every 3 strokes more consistantly, and the 3-2-1-0 workout helps improve my breath control.
Well, it's already late, and I'm missing out on some sleep. Enough sleep even helps my attitude - go figure! I don't get cranky nearly as fast when I'm not exhausted!
Until Next time!
Friday, January 20, 2006
14 hour work days
In a single word, exhausted. Yesterday was an incredibly long day, started working at 5:30am, and finished after 7pm. Needless to say, after that the only thing on my agenda was dinner, so I took the day off from training. Today appeared to have the same outlook when I started working at 6am. Luckily, I had a short break mid-day and was able to scoot home and get in a 45 min ride on the bike. It was crazy, windy, but it was a good workout. I had hoped to get in a swim since I missed the Master's group last night, but I'm beat after getting home close to 7pm again. I'll swim this weekend. Hopefully tomorrow after getting to work at 5:45, we'll be done earlier!
Wednesday I had a fairly good workout. I was still tired then, even without getting up before daybreak. I dragged my butt out the door for a 25 min high RPM bike, followed by a 30 min run. I felt much better after I finished my workout. And actually I felt better after my mid-day workout this afternoon, too.
Until next time!
Wednesday I had a fairly good workout. I was still tired then, even without getting up before daybreak. I dragged my butt out the door for a 25 min high RPM bike, followed by a 30 min run. I felt much better after I finished my workout. And actually I felt better after my mid-day workout this afternoon, too.
Until next time!
Tuesday, January 17, 2006
Tuesday
Today I went back to the Master's Swim group. Another challenging workout of 1800-2000 meters. The pool was cold (the heater broke) and so part of it was covered and we had to swim only 25 meter lengths... Which was good since we did this breathing exercize, and had the pool been 50 meters, I definitely wouldn't have made it. As it was I spent a good portion of that exercize light headed! It was chilly enough I wanted my wet suit! But once we got going, it wasn't so bad. I worked with paddles and found that they really helped my stroke.
Before heading to swim, I got in a quick 3 mile run. It was tough - hotter and more humid than I thought it was.
Monday I went for a 1:20 bike ride - my fastest average yet - 17.2 mph. for 22.8 miles. For a short interval, I really pushed the pace, and was able to sustain 24.8 mph.
Well, better get going. Until next time!
Before heading to swim, I got in a quick 3 mile run. It was tough - hotter and more humid than I thought it was.
Monday I went for a 1:20 bike ride - my fastest average yet - 17.2 mph. for 22.8 miles. For a short interval, I really pushed the pace, and was able to sustain 24.8 mph.
Well, better get going. Until next time!
Sunday, January 15, 2006
Exhausting Week
I thought I had blogged since monday - but apparently not. Oops. Now I have a lot to catch up on. It's been a busy week.
At work I had 3 mornings this week where I started at 6am - that makes for a long day. Now that it's sunday night I can definitely feel the week taking effect. I'm exhausted! It was all I could do tonight to get out there for a 30 min. run. Last night I attempted to run, but stopped because I was feeling light headed and woozy. I think I must have been dehydrated. It's been significantly colder these past 2 days (today I wanted long underwear this morning - 40 with an icey north wind) and I probably haven't been drinking enough during the day.
Earlier this week though, I had some great workouts. Namely tuesday and thursday when I met up with a Master's swim group near here. WoW!! What an amazing workout. I'd been swimming for a half hour - tues and thurs I spent an hour and half in the water, and lost count of distance around 2000 meters.
Tomorrow when I have more time, I'll tell you about the master's program. I'm going to try to make it as much as I can. I think it'll really improve my technique!
Until Next time!
At work I had 3 mornings this week where I started at 6am - that makes for a long day. Now that it's sunday night I can definitely feel the week taking effect. I'm exhausted! It was all I could do tonight to get out there for a 30 min. run. Last night I attempted to run, but stopped because I was feeling light headed and woozy. I think I must have been dehydrated. It's been significantly colder these past 2 days (today I wanted long underwear this morning - 40 with an icey north wind) and I probably haven't been drinking enough during the day.
Earlier this week though, I had some great workouts. Namely tuesday and thursday when I met up with a Master's swim group near here. WoW!! What an amazing workout. I'd been swimming for a half hour - tues and thurs I spent an hour and half in the water, and lost count of distance around 2000 meters.
Tomorrow when I have more time, I'll tell you about the master's program. I'm going to try to make it as much as I can. I think it'll really improve my technique!
Until Next time!
Monday, January 09, 2006
Monday
As I look over last week's training log, I can't decide whether it was a good week or not... Parts of it were really, quite good. Then there were parts that were not good at all! Getting in a run after a 12 hour day - good, a couple good swims, super... but then there's the fact that I ate out a lot, took one day off, then the next day I only had time for a 20 min workout the next... But then I got home from work late last night, without enough daylight to complete my scheduled bike ride, so I opted for a run and went for an hour and twenty minutes - somewhere around 8 miles. Go figure.
So today, my day off, I got up and went for a long ride - my legs tired quickly, so I turned for home, and only got in just over an hour ride, nearly 18 miles. Then I headed to the pool with the goal of 800 meters. I did an easy 1000 instead.
Swimming has all of a sudden gotten a lot easier for me. This is great. I'm able to go the length of the pool with fewer strokes than I did even a few weeks ago. yay! I haven't timed myself per interval, but today I did 1000 meters in less than a half hour - even with some drill work thrown in there.
Now I can sit back and enjoy the remainder of this beautiful day. Hmmm. High 70's, blue skys and sunshine - don't you wish you were here?? :)
Until next time!!
So today, my day off, I got up and went for a long ride - my legs tired quickly, so I turned for home, and only got in just over an hour ride, nearly 18 miles. Then I headed to the pool with the goal of 800 meters. I did an easy 1000 instead.
Swimming has all of a sudden gotten a lot easier for me. This is great. I'm able to go the length of the pool with fewer strokes than I did even a few weeks ago. yay! I haven't timed myself per interval, but today I did 1000 meters in less than a half hour - even with some drill work thrown in there.
Now I can sit back and enjoy the remainder of this beautiful day. Hmmm. High 70's, blue skys and sunshine - don't you wish you were here?? :)
Until next time!!
Wednesday, January 04, 2006
Toughening Up
Today was the first of many 12 hour days at work. And even though it was a long day, it wasn't as intense as some will be. After spending 12 hours on my feet, I still had a run on the schedule. I haven't put together a weekly schedule yet, so how much I would run was up to how I felt. My legs were tired, but once I got going I didn't feel as poorly as I thought I might. So I opted for a solid hour run. I left the GPS at home, so I'm not sure about my pace, other than plain slow. So I logged somewhere around 6 miles. It was a good night to work on still getting a workout in after a long day at work on my feet. It's time to get tough.
Yesterday I went out on the bike. The wind was really blowing out of the west, but that didn't stop me. I'm working on riding in the wind, so come race day it doesn't blow my confidence. I did 2 loops around the Polo Club and it worked out to be 13.7 miles. Since half was into the wind and half was with a very fun tail wind - I averaged 16.7 mph. Returning on the loop I was able to maintain 23+ mph. That was fun, learning how to handle the curves and ride fast.
Until next time.
Yesterday I went out on the bike. The wind was really blowing out of the west, but that didn't stop me. I'm working on riding in the wind, so come race day it doesn't blow my confidence. I did 2 loops around the Polo Club and it worked out to be 13.7 miles. Since half was into the wind and half was with a very fun tail wind - I averaged 16.7 mph. Returning on the loop I was able to maintain 23+ mph. That was fun, learning how to handle the curves and ride fast.
Until next time.
Monday, January 02, 2006
Swim Breakthrough
This morning I headed out for an easy 3+ mile run. It was starting to really warm up, and the humidity was definitely a factor. I was glad I only needed to do an easy run today. I felt remarkably good after yesterday's brick workout. Last week I had "bricks" in my legs after a similar workout. I was pleased this morning to be running fairly well. Not fast, but I didn't need to go fast either. Today was just an easy "burn some calories" run.
Later today I went to the pool. The first time in a couple weeks. I had been having trouble with breathing to the right in the past, and with my stroke technique. Today was definitely a good day!
I got in the water, and started off, and without even thinking I found myself breathing to the right without any trouble. This is huge! There was a time, not that long ago, that I couldn't breathe to the right without feeling like I was the Titanic. So today when I found myself breathing to the right like I'd never had a problem, I was very excited.
I've also been struggling with my technique in the catch and pull phase of the stroke. Today I read some tips regarding that before I left for the pool, and I think that it really helped to have a good mental image of a correct stroke in my head when I got in the water. I worked on simply having good technique in the water, and after 800 meters I was finding myself struggling to hold on to the correct position, so I called it a day. No point in practicing poor form.
It was a very positive swim workout, and has me looking forward to the next one. I hope that by correcting my form and bilateral breathing I'll be able to not be the last guy out of the water this season!
Oh, and more good news! I've signed up for my next Half Iron Distance Tri for this summer. September 9 - the Lake Geneva Triathalon in Fontana,WI. Immediately following the HIM I'll drive to Madison to watch Ironman on sunday, and Monday I'll sign up for 2007!!! Another step along the road of life!
Until next time!
Later today I went to the pool. The first time in a couple weeks. I had been having trouble with breathing to the right in the past, and with my stroke technique. Today was definitely a good day!
I got in the water, and started off, and without even thinking I found myself breathing to the right without any trouble. This is huge! There was a time, not that long ago, that I couldn't breathe to the right without feeling like I was the Titanic. So today when I found myself breathing to the right like I'd never had a problem, I was very excited.
I've also been struggling with my technique in the catch and pull phase of the stroke. Today I read some tips regarding that before I left for the pool, and I think that it really helped to have a good mental image of a correct stroke in my head when I got in the water. I worked on simply having good technique in the water, and after 800 meters I was finding myself struggling to hold on to the correct position, so I called it a day. No point in practicing poor form.
It was a very positive swim workout, and has me looking forward to the next one. I hope that by correcting my form and bilateral breathing I'll be able to not be the last guy out of the water this season!
Oh, and more good news! I've signed up for my next Half Iron Distance Tri for this summer. September 9 - the Lake Geneva Triathalon in Fontana,WI. Immediately following the HIM I'll drive to Madison to watch Ironman on sunday, and Monday I'll sign up for 2007!!! Another step along the road of life!
Until next time!
Sunday, January 01, 2006
New Year
After a couple of days back in the dreary, snowy north country, I'm back in Florida. I got a couple easy 3 and 4 mile runs in. Barely enough to run off some of the large quantities of food I ate!
I had planned a workout last night after spending 12 hours travelling. But I felt too gross, and even though I knew it might make me feel better, this time I just couldn't get up the motivation to get out there.
Today I hopefully made up for yesterday's lack of motivation. I got out on the bike for 1:20, and 21 miles. It was a good ride. Not too windy, warm and humid - 81. I averaged 16.6 mph and felt fairly good about it, since I was trying to "take it easy."
Afterwards, I immediately laced up my running shoes and went out for a painful 1.5 mile loop. I hope that one of these days running off the bike isn't quite so painful! I still managed to put in an 8:40 mile, but it was tough.
I'm excited to start up my 2006 training plan!
Until Next time.
I had planned a workout last night after spending 12 hours travelling. But I felt too gross, and even though I knew it might make me feel better, this time I just couldn't get up the motivation to get out there.
Today I hopefully made up for yesterday's lack of motivation. I got out on the bike for 1:20, and 21 miles. It was a good ride. Not too windy, warm and humid - 81. I averaged 16.6 mph and felt fairly good about it, since I was trying to "take it easy."
Afterwards, I immediately laced up my running shoes and went out for a painful 1.5 mile loop. I hope that one of these days running off the bike isn't quite so painful! I still managed to put in an 8:40 mile, but it was tough.
I'm excited to start up my 2006 training plan!
Until Next time.
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